DRX Parameter Activation Timing for Connection Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Changing DRX configuration in wireless communication networks can lead to connection failures due to delays in sending response messages from mobile devices, causing miscommunication and loss of synchronization between the mobile device and the base station.

Innovation Solution

The mobile device postpones activating new DRX parameters until the next DRX on duration, using the previous configuration until a subsequent event such as the expiration of a Time Alignment Timer or successful resynchronization, to ensure seamless transition and reduce the likelihood of connection drops.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the mobile device immediately applies new DRX parameters upon receiving reconfiguration, then the network can quickly adapt DRX configuration to service requirements, but connection failure risk increases due to timing misalignment between device and network

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDRX configuration update speedVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile device sends the reconfiguration complete message before actually applying the new DRX parameters. This preliminary action ensures the network is ready to switch to new parameters simultaneously with the device, preventing timing misalignment and connection failures while maintaining fast configuration updates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the mobile device delays applying new DRX parameters until after sending reconfiguration complete, then connection reliability improves through synchronized parameter activation, but configuration update time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidDRX configuration update time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs the signaling action (sending reconfiguration complete) before the actual parameter application. This reorders operations to overlap the application delay with existing communication delays, achieving synchronization without adding net time loss to the configuration update process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device rushes through the signaling phase by sending the complete message immediately upon receiving parameters, then waits for the natural processing time before applying parameters. This skips the unnecessary delay of waiting for confirmation before starting the parameter transition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

3Reliability

If the mobile device uses the previous DRX configuration during the transition period, then synchronization with the network is maintained, but the new configuration cannot take effect promptly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization consistencyVSAvoidparameter application speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The device prepares the new parameters and sends the reconfiguration complete message in advance, allowing the network to prepare simultaneously. The actual parameter application occurs at the next DRX cycle boundary, ensuring both device and network switch together without losing synchronization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3298832B1Activation of DRX parameters
Publication Date: 2020.03.18 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3298832B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3298832B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3298832B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Methods and apparatus are described of changing the discontinuous reception (DRX) configuration for a connection between a mobile device (50) and a base station (20) that reduces the likelihood of a dropped connection. A mobile device (50) receives updated configuration parameters for the connection from a base station. A mobile device (50) receives updated configuration parameters for the connection from a base station (20). The mobile device (50) postpones the adoption of the new configuration parameters and continues using previous configuration parameters for the connection after receipt of the new configuration parameters until a subsequent on duration of a DRX cycle has occurred according to the previous configuration. The mobile device (50) applies the updated configuration parameters for the connection in the subsequent on duration. Thereafter, the mobile device (50) turns its receiver on and off in DRX mode according to the new DRX configuration.